Windows 11 looks pretty slick, no doubt, but if you’re feeling a bit lost or reckon the old Windows 10 vibe was better, there’s a fair few ways to make it feel more familiar. Sometimes, the new UI can be a bit jarring—centre start menus, new taskbar setup, and a different File Explorer layout can be a pain if you’re used to the old style. Luckily, with a few tweaks—most just changing some settings—you can bring back that classic Windows 10 look without much fuss. It makes the interface feel more natural, especially if you’ve built your workflows around the old layout. Just keep in mind, some of these tweaks might need third-party tools or a bit of fiddling with your settings, so patience is key. Once you’re done, your Windows 11 will feel almost like an old mate with a fresh face.
How to Make Windows 11 Look Like 10
Adjust the Start Menu and Taskbar to Look Familiar
Windows 11’s default start menu is more centred and minimal, but if you right-click the Start button and select Settings, then head to Personalisation > Start, you can pick a layout closer to Windows 10—stuff like “More pins” or “Show more apps.” For the taskbar, right-click on it and go to Taskbar settings. Under Taskbar alignment, switch from Centre to Left. Yeah, it’s a bit strange how Windows 11 defaults to centred icons, but this quick change makes it feel more like the good old days.
Sometimes these changes don’t happen instantly, and a quick reboot or log-out might do the trick. If you want even more control, tools like Winhance or other customisation apps can give you more options, but honestly, the built-in settings are usually enough.
Use a Third-Party Tool to Restore Classic Taskbar Icons
Windows 11 has ditched some of the classic taskbar features—like grouping icons or hotkeys—so third-party apps like Winhance or Winaero Tweaker can help bring back that old-school feel. These tools let you tweak icons, window behaviours, and more. Just a heads-up—they sometimes need a bit of poking around or restarting explorer.exe via Task Manager after changes.
Yep, some of it feels a bit dodgy, but if you stick to reputable tools, it’s usually safe. I’ve had to restart Explorer a couple of times myself to get everything running smooth—but after that, Windows 10 lookalike mode was all sorted.
Make File Explorer Look Like Classic Windows
By default, File Explorer on Windows 11 has that new, ribbon-heavy look, but if you prefer the vintage style, go to View > Options in File Explorer, then select Change folder and search options. Under the General tab, there’s not a lot to tweak directly, but you can disable the new command bar or turn on the traditional ribbon via registry tweaks or third-party apps. Tools like Winaero Tweaker can do the job easily, letting you revert to the old UI and making your Explorer feel more familiar.
Switch System Sounds to Windows 10 Defaults
This one’s often overlooked, but the sound scheme adds a lot to that familiar feel. Head to Control Panel > Sound (or right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and pick Sounds) and under the Sounds tab, select Windows Default. If your current sounds seem a bit modern, you can even hunt down Windows 10 sound files online. Swap them in, click Apply, and you’ll be back to that comfy old audio vibe.
No real idea why changing the sounds makes such a difference, but it really does help make the whole system feel less new and more like your usual setup. It’s all in the little things, mate.
Once you’ve gone through these tweaks, Windows 11 should feel a lot more like Windows 10—looking, feeling, and sounding more familiar. It can make a big difference if the new UI’s got you feeling like a stranger in your own system.
Tips for Making Windows 11 Look Like 10
- Use tools like Winhance for more in-depth customisations.
- Back up your system before messing about with big tweaks—better safe than sorry.
- Keep Windows updated to dodge any bugs or incompatibility issues with third-party tools.
- Take it slow—test each tweak before moving to the next, no need to rush.
- Look at themes or icon packs if you’re keen, but beware of dodgy sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I revert the changes if I don’t like the new look?
Too easy. Just head back into settings or uninstall any tools you used—Windows is pretty flexible like that.
Will these tweaks slow my computer down?
Nah, most of them just change how things look on the surface. Still, it’s a good idea to back up first and only get tweaks from trusted sites.
Do I need to be a tech whiz to do this?
Nah, most settings are straightforward. Just follow the steps and you’ll be right as rain. Take your time and read instructions properly.
Are there any risks using third-party tools?
If you download from trusted sources like Winaero or GitHub, you should be safe. But, as always, there’s a tiny bit of risk—so be cautious, mate.
Will this work on all Windows 11 versions?
Mostly, but newer builds might block some tweaks from working. It’s worth checking if the tweak matches your version.
Summary
- Change the Start menu to look more like Windows 10.
- Align the taskbar to the left for that familiar feel.
- Use tools to get classic taskbar icons and behaviours back.
- Adjust File Explorer and system sounds for a more comfy familiarity.
- Test each tweak one at a time, and remember a reboot can fix a lot.
Wrap-up
Getting your Windows 11 to look and feel more like Windows 10 isn’t too tricky once you know what to tweak. The trick is patience—go slow, one step at a time. Most of the visual changes are just settings or small tools. Once you’ve done it, your system won’t feel like a strange new beast, but more like your trusty old workhorse. It’s not perfect forever, but it’s a good start. Hope this helps someone tame that new UI beast and make Windows a bit more user-friendly.